Why People Quit Social Work, And Leave The Field: The Truth
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- čas přidán 22. 03. 2021
- Hello everyone. I'm Gabby and I am a Macro Social Worker and Career Coach. In this video, I will highlight 5 main reasons people decide to quit the field of social work and leave this career path. I think this is a great field, but it isn't for everyone and hopefully this video can help folks to decide if it is for them, and how they can best navigate their careers and lessen burnout.
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Hello y'all. Please let me know below if you have any tips for Social Workers to prevent burning out and leaving the field!
The social worker /therapist needs a therapist. That helps a lot.
Self-care for social workers (and other licensed professionals) is crucial! That’s why I started my channel to talk to social workers and other licensed professionals.
Thanks for your brilliantly supportive and in-depth overviews of the profession which has the element of a vocation of service at its core which you articulate so well. I’m a British Social Worker working in London and I found myself talking to some Social Work students about the importance of being fit and well. Indeed being physically fit is a real buffer against emotional trauma and sometimes I get it right and sometimes not! Part of this is walking and reflecting on your own practice. It sounds almost naive but walking is a supportive Social Work practice. Thanks so much for your videos
Thanks for the video, it seems like the experience of social workers in the US is similar to some in Europe. Always a fight between funding from the government because they have lack of understand of the socio economic factors for why people need help.
determine if there's other areas at the agency (your job) that might interest you. Learn about the area(s), requirements and keep an eye out if there's an opening. I learned from a former co-worker that in order to reduce the likelihood of burnout, it's important to move around. If there isn't an area of interest within the agency, plan your exit strategy and look into other areas of social work (it's not only child protective services)
#beaheadofthecurve
Hello, Gabby. Last summer, I officially bowed out of social work for the most part after 24 years of working as a therapist in mental health and substance treatment in outpatient facilities as well as residential/in-patient treatment facilities. Frankly, the politics and the heightened drive for profits on the part of the agencies just wore me out. I enjoyed working with my clients. I am a helper. However, the paperwork and staff meetings doubled and even trippled as the pay remained the same. The stress of large case loads went up as the pay remained the same. I just lost the will to do it anymore. However, all is not lost. I still enjoy facilitating education groups on substance abuse and mental health, but on my own terms without the bureaucratic nonsense. Very good video. Enjoy your day.
Thank you so much for your honesty, and I understand you completely. I have past experience in case management and behavioral health work. It can be a lot to deal with...What you are doing sounds awesome. Kudos to you for making the best decision for you.
Thank you for your time and dedication for the cause Rico, but glad to hear you're taking care on your terms, as you said. Best wishes! ✨
@@THEpineapples101 Thank you. I really appreciate your kind and supportive words.
Currently feeling all of this. I’m exhausted 😩
Exactly. Glad you found another avenue to go down where I still have yet to do that since 2017 and afraid of going back in due to the level of burnout I had
Tips I would give after 20 years and then severe burn out would be:
1. Ask if you can sit in a meeting before fully accepting the job. If you hear client bashing and if that seems to be acceptable, then you know they are not client centered and have lost sight of their point and purpose as an agency to help others.
2. Do not be a part of the problem, speak up! You see a bad social worker and you say nothing, then you become a part of the problem and this will eat at you. The directors will admire you and see you as a leader/advocate for both the agency and the clients. But you have to be careful of how co-workers may react. This is the same exact dynamic in policing.
3. Ask for raises! Write up all the reasons you feel you deserve a raise and present a letter to whomever would be able to make that happen. I was doing it every year for a while and they never turned me down especially with my list of responsibilities they kept adding for me. Always advocate for yourself as much as you do your clients!
4. Refuse certain dangerous situations. You don't have to always be tough. Put your foot down and insist on a police escort or simply do not proceed. You can be traumatized in social work if you say yes to every situation.
5. Pay close attention to what your body is telling you. Sometimes your body feels the burn out before anything else.
6. Make sure you have good boundaries with both your co-workers and your clients. Try not to share too much and remember that you're going to work not to make friends but to help others. It's okay to make friends but don't get sucked into the clicks. Crossing boundaries can backfire.
7. Learn the tricks of how to build trust quickly with clients and also how to engage so clients want to work more as a team opposed to you doing all the work. That could be a whole video in and of itself.
8. Try to find a way to stay on top of deadlines and paperwork. Make a calendar and assign yourself specific days to get caught up.
9. Be a team player and usually coworkers will try to return favors if you helped them out in the past. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours goes a long ways.
10. Build strong relationships in the community. Having good resources is one of the most important tools for social workers. It takes a village!
Wow #4 resonates with me so much. I wish someone told me this earlier. I would feel guilty saying no because I felt like I wasn’t doing my job/helping the client. This needs to be talked about more in social work.
@@vintsymedel2967 Girl, it took me years to learn this. My first job I literally ran from. It was a court order emergency guardianship in Detroit to remove a client from drug dealing home....by MYSELF. So many times my life was threatened. Just had interview this week for another social work job and I lost interest the more I could tell they weren't aligning with the job description. I'll stay as a photographer and volunteer for the homeless until I find a job that is appropriate. Not settling.
@@shellh.5193 How did that court order go? Did you go by yourself? Are you allowed to say no to that?
@@sunnysodapop I did not go. I quit because my safety was not my bosses concern and you need a police escort in that situation.
Learn the tricks? I think you have an all around good positive attitude but I think people forget to really get to know “the families their dealing with” have compassion be understanding and really stay in touch with your end goal! Most importantly “Treat people like people”That’s a very touchy situation. I think keeping families together should be at the for front of their mind set. I didn’t hear a lot of who you’re dealing with though…
I want to quit so bad🥺 being in this career has only increased my depression and anxiety’
I’m so sorry. I hope you find your field💛 I was thinking it might do the same for me no matter how much I want to help others. I can tell it’s very stressful.
Time for you to start practicing self care!
😅I was looking out for this comment it's such a realistic outcome from being a social worker
Honestly I feel the same exact way. I am over it entirely.
When I was spinning in the midst of a dark social work maelstrom, it was easy to forget what sunlight looks like... almost like Sméagol disappearing under the Misty Mountains.
When I eventually plucked up the courage to leave SW after many years, I felt like Bilbo leaving the Ring at Bag End and then heading off to Rivendell.
I think an important factor in burnout is how we are socialized to take care of ourselves as social workers. Often times social workers are advocates of self care but do not do a good job with this themselves. Having a good self-care routine and staying connected to friends and family and not always pushing myself to do everything has helped me in my journey of getting my masters and now I'll be pursuing my PhD in social work to focus on research.
Yes! I love this. So true! I also think the flip side is that our environment isn't always set up for it. For example, I have many social work friends who are expected to work and be on call 10-12 hours a day, and their team doesn't respect their personal life.
@@MindyourSociety you are definitely right and I have experienced this myself working in direct practice. Overworking yourself is like the "norm" and if you try to build good boundaries around your free time it's kinda like your seen as not doing enough because everyone else's doing too much.
The Code needs to be updated to add self care. There is no virtue in working long hours and not taking care of yourself as it eventually leads to burnout. The Code MUST BE updated to add self care
Burnout came to mind when I interviewed seasoned social workers for a friends College Project in Newark Office early 90's.
Truth: underpaid, overworked, expensive money making continuing ed and licensing beurocracy
I got burned out after 20 years because of every job having unethical social workers and having to report them. The clients didn't burn me out, it was protecting my clients from toxic coworkers. Lots of very dysfunctional individuals in the field abusing their power and so many in management who truly are not client centered. I was over it. I would be interested in being an auditor or in policy to stop some of these programs that waste tax payers money.
THIS!!! YES YES YES YES!!!! I posted a comment very similar except yours was more concise lol this is exactly why I find Social Work to be so toxic, not the clients but the administration!
@@Char_LotteRose It's horrible. I could never turn my cheek to it. Every single job this was an issue. I even had social workers buying drugs on the job while training new social workers AND buying drugs from clients. I had coworkers sleeping with and blackmailing clients. I can't make this stuff up. I really don't know how I survived 20 years.
@@shellh.5193 wow. I’m considering my MSW and have sadly seen this same sentiment in several forums and videos regarding social work as a career.
@@thecrowsnest6963 I have wrestled with the idea of going back to school and or in the field again. I had an interview two months ago and I realized I needed that interview to put the final nail in the coffin to end that chapter. When they asked me, Name a time when you had a difficult client and how did you handle it", I literally had some PTSD from thinking back and trying to remember the best example. So many close calls and threats to my life. Trapped in cars with clients with knives, trapped in hotel while 8 months pregnant with a client who had a machete, having to take down clients myself, etc. It's too much stress for me at this point. I was a bad ass without a gun then with a ton of street smarts lol now I'm older and wiser needing peace. I could have gone clinical but honestly I could never sit in a room 45 minutes after 45 minutes listening to lies so they can continue to get their medicine. I should have went on to get a masters in policy. Good luck to you. I just wish that someone was real with me before I made my decision. Even my professors never taught self-care mental health days and how to handle unethical social workers.
Exactly! well said 👏
I definitely relate to the third reason. When I was getting my BSW, my program only informed us about licensure and I thought that was what I wanted to do (although my heart was always in macro). When I was doing my clinical field placement for my MSW, I quickly recognized that direct practice was not for me and it caused me to panic since I felt I invested so much in something I did not want to do. I am volunteering now with an agency doing advocacy work, and searching for jobs that pertain to case management, since I enjoyed that type of work with clients during my generalist field placement in undergrad. The strength of Social Work is that it is a malleable career: If you feel you are in a rut with a population or setting, you can change. All issues are related, and you can bring your knowledge from one area to another.
I am grateful to have supportive parents, friends, and I exercise regularly. Running is what got me through 2020, haha!
Yes direct practice is not for everyone. I wish we were given more info about alternative career paths for social workers. Which is why i am so passionate about making my videos, focusing on macro! And I hear you about exercise. Regular walks and yoga for sure got me through this "pandemonium" 😅
@Natasha social work is definitely a malleable career which I love. I wish BSW and MSW programs had option more options for people to have other focus areas. I think sometimes the program structure can make you feel like you should go down a certain path even if it's not truly what you want. I'm glad your finding your authentic way in this profession :)
I'd suggest social work is like being a lawyer but you also have to keep a big smile on your face!
I left social work after 27 years; older people, mental health, substance misuse, young offenders and child protection. A lot of frustrations and joys (heavy emphasis on the former). I now give private music lessons and it's now virtually all joys. Social work has provided me with extremely effective social skills which of course is of immense benefit in a teaching capacity. I now *NEVER* finish my week feeling utterly exhausted.
Look into becoming a board certified music therapist. It’s one of my goals.
Thank you for your contribution to this discussion. Keep speaking the truth as you know it Gabby. This is probably one of the most insightful videos that I've seen in quite some time.
So glad I found your channel! Fellow social worker here (LMSW in Texas), your videos make me feel validated re: the difficulties and inspired at the same time! Our field is a difficult one but it's so worth it.
Thanks for sharing, it's really important for individuals to identify with themselves and choose a field in which they are totally interested in, and while working in the field there are many challenges, yet, it would take one who is everything that you've described, in order to help others, and I love that you mentioned, expect the unexpected. It's all about changes, advocating, a peace of mind and most importantly a strong will to achieve what seems to others as unachievable 👍
I don't know if a social worker, therapist, or LPC should replace police officers, but I do think they should work alongside officers (especially with reports involving mental health)
yha joining is a good idea but not replace police office cause well that's not what being a social worker is about and police officers or the police department is just in a different category.
Absolutely they should not. What they should have is a social work team that works and responds with a city police department. Sometimes clients are unable to be calmed down no matter how skilled a social worker is. I'm a social worker so this is my informed opinion. There have been multiple times that I was grateful that there were police available. Granted, some police departments/cops have a tendency to use brute force and trigger clients in a way that merely escalates things, so more training and letting social workers talk to clients first in situations is the right approach.
Who in the world would think that's even acceptable or common sense in the first place?
I cannot believe this video only has over 500 likes! You have some of the most decent and real/helpful social work content I have found. I feel this has helped me weigh up certain aspects of becoming a social worker that I wouldn’t have considered but are very important. Thank you!
Hi Gabby. I just subscribed to your channel. You are spot on with this video! After 20 plus years, having to sue a bureaucracy and won, I am now in retirement and doing contract work, and really seeing the bull crap of these social work companies. Very sad. Great video!!! Look forward to your future videos. Great job.....
Thank you for showing me the way, before I start my study to hopefully become a social worker in the future.
I just love how intentional you were when deciding to go into the field of macro social work. Your point about the important of knowing ALL of the options within social work, is such a great one ☝🏾. That’s definitely a way to avoid potential burnout
Yes, this is true. Being a hero without a cape and fanfare! This information is very helpful! I understand that you must be positive and make the difference.
😢you got me teary eyed, especially that last part. Thank you so much for the honesty and yet reassuring and inspiring words. Thank you as well, for all you do! ❤️ 🌎 🕊️
Wow that was really helpful and very informative. I’m working on my bachelors right now and planning to have a masters as well on social work. This video is encouraging me to reevaluate my future plans. Thank you and thank you for everything that you do for your clients! ❤
Both school teachers and social workers suffer financial marginalization from the Government. If there are more social workers and teachers, in politics, at the decision-making levels like in the senate, then their remuneration would be tremendously improved and there would be lesser issues that require advocacies.
Social workers should be in huge numbers at the legislative and executive arm of Government.
Good point! And that would be so awesome!
@@MindyourSociety Yes, that’s the only solution. Globally, there are more women than men in teaching and in social work. Unfortunately, there are more men than women in politics. Gender stereotype is a problem. Women should get more involved in politics especially at the helm of affairs. That way, fields where there are more women will benefit more. Industrial action like strikes and protests also helps. If they don’t join politics, they will keep agitating and advocating till eternity.
Managers in SW don't like to be outnumbered
Naive
There are reasons that SWs are kept in the dark about how to change law....
Do law if you want to change or influence law.
Read law books on regulatory law to save yourself from kangaroo court s they have for social work whistleblowers in the UK
Managers don't want to support you
If you're failing and burnt out, it gives managers something to talk about and do
Teachers get discounts however
Burn out was always worrisome for me when I decided to pursue a social work undergrad degree. I’m currently looking into going back to school to get my MSW and your channel is such a wealth of knowledge. Im currently a school administrator looking to one day make a shift ♥️
Is it difficult to find a job with just A bsw
I love watching your videos and hearing your perspective on things! You have truly helped me solidify my decision in becoming a social worker. I truly do look up to you for inspiration. There are so many people, even social workers themselves, who have such a negative outlook on this field. It’s really disheartening some times and I have been scared for my future in this career. I have experienced a lot of self doubt and let’s not forget the questions from others about why I would even study social work. I look up to you and many others to find peace in my decision.
I appreciate all of the truth you share with the world. It’s social workers like you who can help change the assumptions and perspectives other people have about this field. Thanks for being so real.
Props for being strong to keep studying your passion no matter what the Q's/looks are! I've totally been through the same - keep on and it'll pay off! 👏💪🌠
Aww thank you soooo much! This was such a heart felt comment and I love it 💕 I’m happy to hear this feedback.
Hey! Excellent interview! You explained everything to a T! Thank you for your insight. I used to be a social services case manager in the foster care division. It was very bittersweet! It was definitely more cons than pros. I was so emotionally immature at that time. I had to leave! It was way too much for me! Things could be really smooth one day the next day everything is falling apart. I didn’t understand how I could live life it that manner. Fast forward 4 years later , I reapplied, I have been offered a position however the anxiety and stress is all coming back and I haven’t even started yet. It’s really scary to know that this career choice I made wasn’t the right fit. 😢
I've had some crappy social workers I've dealt with homelessness for years but I had one social worker that put me on a good path she got me all of the resources I needed she got me a apartment and got me a lot of funding to move in and I made sure to thank her she moved alot of pieces for me and I saw how powerful knowledge and a few phone calls can make I was blown away by how fast she got me in a apartment when the other social workers were dragging their feet. I know have a passion to help people get on their feet there's no better feeling to me then seeing someone get their life back.
All facts! 💯 I’m glad that I found your channel too. We have the same goal in mind.
Right now I am doing my Masters in Social Work. I got to know a lot more things from the videos on your channel. I could grasp a bit of what to do and what not to do as an emerging social worker.
Looking forward to your more videos. ❤
Great content! Thanks a lot ❤️😘😘😘 I’m just about to enter the field, so it’s super helpful for me to be aware of everything you’ve said 😘
You are so right in what you are saying. It is all that you say it is. I do not see any descrimination or upsetting to anyone who is trying to leave. I think that they just need to have a break and challenge themselves further in something else. Most likely they are still dealing in situations but at a less rate. Thank you for giving your time
Hi Gabby! I just have to say, I really appreciate you and all the work you do to keep us informed and inspired to be self aware as we enter this amazing and difficult field. Thank you! 🙏❤️ ( also you’re gorgeous and your content is such a breath of fresh air!) 🤗
Aww thank you for such a kind comment! I’m happy these videos are helpful. Sometimes I’m nervous to put them out because they aren’t always flowery and happy. But I think we have to know all sides!
Your subjects are always on point! I have been subscribed to you for about a year, and I really enjoy your content. I 've been catching up on new and old videos.
Thank you ! I appreciate that
Great video! I’ve worked in community mental health for 7 years, and while the work is definitely rewarding, it is very stressful and agencies always try to lowball the therapists! My issue is, I no longer want to spend my time giving my all, blood, sweat and tears to an organization. If I’m going to give that much of myself, I want it to be my own practice. The only problem with an MSW program is that it does not prepare us for the business side of social work, for example, starting a business, obtaining an LLC, establishing/ developing policy, obtaining the correct paperwork, etc. Not to mention marketing yourself as a business. Honestly, it barely prepared us for the clinical or legal sides of social work either. My MSW program was very generalist in nature, although it proclaimed itself to be clinical. Most of my clinical training was on the job, through CEU trainings and through the “school of the hard knocks” over the past 7 years.
Hey Gabby! I’m a senior in high school right now and am an aspiring social worker. Your videos have really helped me a lot in understanding the field and I hope to pursue macro social work. Thank you so much for your advice and truths of the field! These help me feel more confident in my decision and more understanding of the drawbacks to an albeit amazing field.
Hello! Wow thank you! That’s awesome that you can get this information so young. You will be such an awesome and informed social worker. Good luck in all that you do in the future!!
Thank you for this. I’m a social worker in palliative care and am considering leaving the field. Beyond the reasons you shared, the lack of career development opportunities is a huge reason for this. I took this job out of school many years ago and it is a ‘terminal position’, I am in a medical system and there are no SW leaders. I watch my colleagues in other professions have all of these areas of development (team leader/director, research, fellowships, taking on residents) and there isn’t a straight forward equivalent. This makes it really difficult to stay in the field long term.
Thank you so much for this video!! I feel my current stress and frustrations are now validated. My parents and my social circles downplay how hard social work really is.
That’s a really good video ! I needed to know more about the reality of the field.
I am now working with elderly people in my neighborhood as community worker and I’m studying in the hope of becoming a social worker, applying to the bachelor next year. I really feel like this is a career for me, but I definitely learned that bouderies matters and Im not ready to give up on my health and happiness in order to help other people. I will really pay attention to the kind of job and places where I will apply for.
love your videos sm. you're such a big inspiration!! much love and gratitude for you!
This is SO helpful in my research on how to support social workers in my community.
Thank you for this honesty. Very helpful.
Thanks for this. You are super well educated. We need more professionals like you!
Very insightful advice. I wish I had this knowledge when I was starting out in my career!
Excellent presentation Gabby. You put a lot of things here that are very accurate and it's the same story here in Australia.
I really wish I had watched your videos before attending graduate school. I greatly appreciate your candidness about this field and what the role entails. I think your videos are going to help a lot of people determine if they are a good fit for this career path.
That’s what I hope to do with these videos! Thank you
Thank you for this video, it has helped me realize that I will in fact succeed in social work. Coming from a troubled background and needing social workers in my life has taught me that when I am finally fully employed it will be the small victories that will make the difference I am seeking to make in the world. Just like how my worker, was never able todo anything grand for me, but it was her continued support that was possibly even more substantial in the outcome of my life than if she had been able to grant me all I needed at once.
Thank you for sharing this! I’m 29, and recently re-enrolled in school to get my Bachelor’s in SW. Your honesty and willingness to share your knowledge are very much appreciated! I’m so happy to begin this journey!
Read regulatory law as regulators make up allegations about Whistleblowers.
Sad but true
Perfect and realistic view of social work! I am showing this clip to my students TODAY as we're discussing burnout in social work.
I'm a social work lecturer & I fully agree with you. Such videos need to be shown to high school learners so that they make informed decision to study social work. Well-done colleague & keep up the good work you are doing 👏
I was a social worker for ten years. Its not natural to be dealing with problems 24/7 for a start. Some sort of balance is needed and thats what you cant really get being a social worker. I am much happier living a simpler life.
What do you do now ? May I ask
@@jessicat2304 I went to hospitality - kids club activities, and then school age care (after school care). Currently teaching as a homeschooler and hopefully have a work from home thing set up soon using creativity.
Hi thank you for this video. After 35 years in social work in the UK I’ve just taken early retirement. As a hospital social worker during the pandemic I have to say it’s been a bit of a nightmare. Having said that I would never have changed my career. It’s been a privilege to be allowed to be a part of people’s lives and to try to walk alongside people on their own individual journey whilst negotiating the legal and social aspects of support.available. I’ve maintained my registration for a year so we will see !
Great video Gabby! I’ve been frustrated and burned out by just my grad school experience. I’m still on this social work journey even if it takes me longer than usual to get my MSW. But I’ve also made peace that I can do what I want without that social work title because what is important to me is continuing to work for social change.
Blessings, hang in there love
So you are able to stop taking classes and start back at a later time? I'm just starting MSW and we are not allowed to do that. You start with a set of cohorts and finish together.
You certainly can. Let's not forget not having a MSW but having the experience is elitist in and of itself.
Great video! School social worker here making 70K 3 years post my MSW and summers off! Good work life balance…. It also helps feeling like I’m part of a team (OT, SLP, and Psychs).
Super helpful! Thank you so much
Thanks for this awesome video.
Fantastic video. Thank you.
Greatness, thanks for showing more of you :)
Thank you so much for all the information. I’m a highschool student and I’ve been considering Social Work. And this video got rid of the “rose-tinted glasses” that usually happens. But I’m still definitely considering this career. Thank you 🙏🏽
Is doing social work online effective,,,I still consider the carrier
Another great video Gabby! You really nailed the top 5 reasons why social workers leave the field. I would add a bonus reason is the lack of intentional and consistent self-care! Thanks for your inspirational videos!
Hey bud. We watched this video last night. Whew chil! You ain't NEVER lied. Good video.
Haahaha! Thank you for watching. It's deep...
I have heard quite a few times that social work is the easy way out. I never understood the reason in needing to have a masters degree for something that was considered the "easy" way out, other than money for big organizations, in terms of education. I then realized that it was a predominantly woman driven field, then it all made sense. You make a woman work extra hard in earning her MSW or related degree, feed her scraps, and have her in the mindset of chasing a check, only to get her to lose her license. In my opinion, society doesn't see the value that they perceive to be "natural" gifts for women. I was told I should want to be a psychologist, because that's more masculine, and I would be a doctor, not a mid level. I turned away from it for that reason, several years ago. I went into another field that wasn't my passion. I don't believe in turning women into modern day slaves, in order to feed my fragile ego.
Also one of the key factors that have contributed to the SW expecting low-pay is that the field was started by very privileged WW who came from secure economic family backgrounds. At the time (early 1900s) they could afford to take low-paying jobs because it was considered noble to sacrifice for the good of others. But in today's economy, the low pay is a great way of both keeping people from LSE backgrounds out of educational and work opportunities while people from wealthy families maintain a status quo.
@@kiak.matthews76 That's a great perspective, thank you for sharing that, I didn't know that.
I'm here to understand my topic abt our subject. Salute to all social workers !!
Great video, thanks !!
Hello Gabby! Thank you so much for this insight! I came across your channel because I’ve recently been thinking if social work is the right career path for me. I’m currently two years in for my BSW - going for my third next Fall, but I honestly have been considering other options. I still retain that passion for providing support to underprivileged people in communities, but I also need to contemplate the fact that my self care matters as well (mentally, emotionally, and financially). I am confused on what I should do 😓
Hello! I can’t tell you what to do but I can say that your experience will vary. Doing social work doesn’t mean you are doomed to a certain life or to not being able to take care of yourself. You just have to be cognizant of the pit falls and how to avoid them and choose your jobs wisely. I think you will be fine. You are not doomed.
Thanks for this video. Everything you’ve said is ‘true’ of the UK social work context as well as the US. I’m leaving the profession (or at least I’m leaving the title ‘social worker’) precisely I think for the reasons you suggest and more - in particular the irrelevance of ‘social work’. For me - social work is about making and sustaining work-based, goal directed relationships; this requires time, support, better training - both qualifying and on the job, as well as particular personal qualities such as a tolerance with ‘uncertainty’, volatility, complexity and so on. I see little of these qualities and for years have noted the managerial/organisational context of social work which lip serves calls for reflection, time, support etc and then sets up social workers to fail by demanding they work in contexts which yields the opposite. Well done - useful and informative video. J
After being in the field of health care Social Work for 10 years.....burn out is real. Especially in different states coming from NYC to Austin, TX. I am not planning to stay in this field within the next 2 years I am transitioning out. Great skills I have learned but for the amount of work we have to do and no ability to move up in the profession has been incredibly frustrating. The expectation for you to fix all the problems of the world and be the magic worker, it is not feasible. Truly there is only so much you can do to what is in your capacity to do and that is to do the best you can with what is given to you. No matter how much you give, the burn out still continues even with the amount of self care that you give your self. To me it's not worth it anymore.
You beautifully articulated word for word exactly how I feel. I'm constantly burned out and drained working in this field. It's set up to fail with the lack of support and resources. It's completely unrealistic with all the bureaucratic nonsense, endless documentation, and high case loads. I agree we did learn valuable skills but it isn't worth it.
I think you nailed it with it not being suited for everyone. Even if you’re functional with doing it if you’re mentally not that type of person who works or relates with communities. That by far is the biggest thing, I don’t find that wages are an issue if we are discussion social workers for the city. Social services etc. like any job or most every individual has a different opinion on what is a fair wage for the job. The biggest thing I would take from this video In Close relation is that it should already be enately in them before it’s a career also being single vs married plays a roll on stress levels. Also location. ie: small town vs large city. Suburbs vs lower income. Great video and voiced opinions. These convos are needed for us to better grasp these career choices.
I definitely felt that way in regards to social work being an easy field. I wanted to be a midwife and I didn’t want to take more science classes so it was between social work and teaching. I chose social work. All in all, I enjoy helping people so social work grew on me. It’s super challenging but the clients keep me going
@alishaviro please help me i wanna be a social worker
Im in the same situation now i want to be a nurse but i don't wanna take science so im trying to be a social worker or childcare but idk what to do now i really want someone to help me what course should i take im on my Level 2 health&social care course , so i want to know how many years does it takes??
@@avinomer2794 nurses work very hard . Stay in their feet 12 hours , no time to pee , or have lunch abs a lot of responsibility!
Science course is not the most difficult part in nursing school!
Thank you for the Vid.
Reasons:
1.People enter thinking they are going to save the world and people will appreciate your efforts, that’s not the case.
2.The starting pay is low and unmanageable caseloads are crazy.
3.Too many needs and lack of resources. I am in a rural area. We don’t have public transportation in many areas or resources the cities have.
4.you find out that many people don’t trust you…they see you as part of the system.
5. I don’t think low pay is because of women being in the field. It lack of funding. Law Enforcement is mostly men…and I have met Cops that made less than I was making.
6. Thinking of Cops…that brings me to #6. Lack of safety and support. When you are going into homes with a known history of DV/SA and physical abuse, removing children…and living in the same town. I can tell you SW should NEVER replace police. That’s just ridiculous.
7. Society and many SW’s in the field forget we are suppose to EMPOWER and not ENABLE. Too many of the you SW’s I know are enabling and encouraging dependency.
If you challenge the system, you are bullied by those who want to keep the system as it is: uncaring towards service users.
Hi Gabby! I love all your tips, but number 4 really stood out to me. I believe support is essential to this field, and I love that you have incorporated plants in your videos #plantmom here...lol 💙💙🙏🏽
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are well. Yes that support from supervisors and colleagues make all the difference. Ahh thank you! My plants keep me sane lol
You are 👏🏼 awesome, thank you for all u you oh do 🙏🏼
I am a graduate student of social work. I continue my interesting classes in the field. Thank you for providing several very important pieces of information to ponder as I continue my journey.
I came across your channel about learning more about social work. I am currently pursuing a BSW, and I want to do Disability Social Work. As a BSW student, I say that you are making a difference.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! And I'd like to think so.
you inspired me a lot. I am a social work student in the 3rd year
Thank you very much for your information, we are making changes
You are welcome!
This was so informative not just look at my cute what I do in a day video. Thank you.
Overall, great message 👍👍
This helped a lot for my next career decision
Becoming a social worker was the worst decision of my life. It is definitely not for everyone. And many social workers go into the field because they are codependent... thinking their self worth and identity are about helping others. But if others decide that they don't need your help.... (working with mandated clients like mine) your identity gets free to realize that your self worth is not defined by your ability to help others or in others needing you. And you become sort of this free agent. Anyway I am leaving the field of social work as soon as I can after making this realization after 8 years in the field.
Wow. I am sorry to hear it was the worst decision you made. And I agree! Many social workers are co-dependent and hope to find self worth in helping others. I was actually just thinking about this the other day. It can be very harmful to the self esteem to this. Also, have you considered non traditional areas of social work? You don't have to have a social work title to have a job helping others and that is focused on bettering communities. In my macro social work playlist, i talk about more non traditional jobs. I just wanted to offer that. Thanks for watching and i'm wishing you the best with whatever comes next.
Hey what did you end up doing if you dont mind me asking a year later😅 I'm on this video after only 3 years in the field but its because of my hospital job and not so much social work but social work too .. hope all is well !
@jerry Bustid Hi Jerry. Sure! I actually moved on to a for-profit mental health clinic and am working as a licensed clinical social worker in the role of clinical therapist.
I love this video and your talk on Macrosocial work is so interesting as someone coming into the social worker field from a risk management analysis standpoint. Please let me know if you have any more tips on program management/development
I have watched this more than once ....So comprehensive 💞
Wow! Thank you
That first one. People are always mind blown that I can answer in detail why I want to be an LCSW specifically. Do people really not think these things through? So much money goes to education. I cannot fathom just picking something because it might look easy. I loved this whole list, just surprised me that people will spend thousands of dollars and not really give a deeper thought as to why.
Thank you so much!
So we’ll put. I feel there are days I cannot go on but I love my consumers so much.
I feel like I’m losing my mind. Literally. There has been a crack in my psyche. If I was looking and analyzing myself from the outside in, I would tell myself to run to the nearest psych ward to get evaluated. I’m so good at hiding it , but inside I feel like my brain is slowly melting.
Gabby, you are speaking straight facts!! We do the work that alot of people can't emotionally handle. Our degree requires a masters degree but the pay is terrible. I reccomend your videos to young people who are considering entering the SW field because SW is a thankless job.
What is the pay like?
Can u explain the pay
So sad but beautiful work field 😢💖 I am thinking about study it or some social field. I would love to have a semester abroad in nyc 🏙️
I love this video!!
Thank you!
In this area, there are times you have to just focus on the minimal essential duties of the job and not overstretch yourself. The over outreaching and extra initiatives also is one of the reason of burnout in this area because they sometimes do not get any thank yous for the extra initiatives that they deserve and at times, you have to take a step back from that and just focus on your minimal duties and then come back out to doing the extra initiatives.
Thank you on the subject of women and exact that they are dominant in the professional field in social work, yet, there is a side of career choices that men must consider, there are just as many male nurses in the field today..
Hi, slightly depressing to hear you have exactly the same issues in the US as we do in the UK, however great to hear someone speaking honestly and clearly about the challenges, it’s always good to hear that issues you face are not due to you as an individual but are systemic. I’m 25years and counting but there aren’t lots of people signing up to the career here.
Wow thanks for sharing your perspective. Interesting to know that similar issues happen in the UK. Wow .
I'm a social work student and I'm questioning my choices that I have made too
I've been working as a care coordinator in the mental health field for over 7 years. I just graduated with my MSW in May. I am currently preparing to take the ASWB master's exam. Unfortunately, I am feeling stressed out, burnout and overwhelmed. I have to motivated myself on a daily basis to stay in this field.
Same here. I constantly have to motivate myself to even go into work because it's extremely draining. There's such a high case load demand of endless people to help with no support .
Use your considerable transferable skills to develop yourself in other areas of work. Social work is a vocation *NOT* an obligation.
@@keyboarddancers7751 boom !!!
Same here!
Amazing!
Right now I'm a social work student a big part I like about it is it's a way to be a clinician without having a psychology degree. And honestly I don't know what else I really want to study that's not related to Social Work.
Acknowledge that some of my personal beliefs might not line up with what the field is expecting of me.
But I do know I want to do good in this world and I like learning about psychology and I even like my classes.
It's easy for people who are leaving the field or who will just say go into a different field then but what else would I even want to do?
Thank you🎉
I'm considering whether I want to get a MSW or a graduate degree at all. I'm wanting to have a career, not just a job, though it has to make sense for me. The info you're providing clearly addresses questions I need to ask myself before I make any decisions. Thank you.
Yeah same
Teachers,nurses, now social work 🥺 what's wrong with our systems 🙆
Female dominated fields are underpaid and under appreciated. Perfect recipe for burn-out.
@@BG-ig6fdwhich male dominated fields should we try to go into ? I’m serious
@@jessicat2304 manual labour
Workplace bullies
I left after 29 years due feeling burnt out. The work has it rewards but I stayed too long.
Hi Gabby, I am curious about paid leave, paid counselling/mental health support and such for social workers. I doubt that it is adequate to what it should be, hence the high burnout rate. I volunteered with a local agency and there was a lot structurally that could be done better to support people. I seriously wonder how people manage to have long careers like I see in the other comments. Well done to you for sharing your knowledge and dedication.
I do hear that the Social work field it can be very stressful and time consuming. What do you do to ensure that you have a balanced work and life schedule? What do you do for self care?
I have several videos where I touch on this important topic! Thanks
My spouse graduated as a social worker over 4 years ago and haven't found a job because everywhere he goes, they require he has an additional letter on his title. He graduated with a Master Degree....so, Let me explain, first of all, if you are trying to become a social worker, think twice. You are going to have a looooong road ahead of you, many tests to take, loops to go through, moneys to pay, and lots of headaches. I'm not trying to discourage you but it is better that you are aware of what you are getting yourself into before you do. My spouse wishes he would have known. He spent years studying, traveling hours to go to college every day, paid thousands and thousands of dollars in college that he still owes, and as of today, he has not found a job yet.
So, going back to the additional "letter". When you graduate and you get your diploma, do not think you can immediately find a job, NOPE. You are going to need to get licensed, meaning you need to take tests that YOU have to pay for, and NO, they don't care that you don't have a job to pay for these tests. The tests are HOURS long and if you are not a good test taker, then you are screwed. I will never understand why they have social workers, teachers, psychologists, etc. go to college to come out and not be able to find jobs because they need to take tests!!! WHAT IS COLLEGE FOR, THEN? A complete waste of time. You could have had the best grades, like my husband, who graduated SUMMA CUM LAUDE, but if you do not take these test after you have graduated, then you are not working, period. Then, why go to college? Why don't they just give tests to everyone and whoever passes the test, get the job? Because let me tell you, You could be the most competent, intelligent, skilled, etc and you could have went to the best college and graduated with honors, but if you don't take tests after you have your DIPLOMA in hand, non of that matters. I know some people might say, well if you can't pass the test, then you shouldn't be working but the point I am trying to make is, what is the purpose of a test when you went to college and you took tests constantly that demonstrated you were competent enough and you got a diploma because you demonstrated knowledge! THEN, WHAT IS THE POINT OF COLLEGE???
Wow. Thank you for this, I think you just saved me $30k and lost time, I was just preparing my application to a MSW program. I agree, why require all these tests after graduating? Why not allow people to try to pass the test without the degree or not require the test if you have the degree? College is a racket for most fields, that’s why.
Well said, I was actually thinking about the profession. But after hearing you, I’m think about reconsidering.💭🤔